EVENTS
HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
A Salute to Achievement and Bravery By: W.A. Rogers
E
very year the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce during its end of year gala presents awards to community leaders who strive to improve the quality of life in the Greater Harlem Area. As a tradition a New York City Police officer from a precinct in Manhattan North would be one of the award receptions. Last years end of the year celebration was canceled due to COVID. On December 13th, 2020 at the end of an outdoor Christmas carol performance on the steps of The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, a gunman wielding two pistols randomly began shooting his weapons. Detective Jason Harper and Detective Daurys Gutierrez of the 26th Precinct took actions to guide trapped civilians to safety. The two officers joined by police officer Daurys Gutierrez were able
Chief Kim Royster to end the assault. GHCC wanted to honor the three offices for their life saving bravery. On February 23rd GHCC in partnership with the City College of New York and The New York Police Department honored the three offices at a special awards ceremony in CCNY’s Great Hall. In Celebration of Black History Month, the Chamber also gave awards to six Black leaders in the NYPD who have made outstanding achievements in the Department. Three
Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes were history making Females. Both Black History Month and Women’s History Month were celebrated on that day. The three female awardees were: Chief of Patrol Juanita N. Holmes the first African American women appointed as a Borough Commander and the first women in the history of the NYPD to be appointed Chief of Patrol, Chief of Transportation Kim Y. Royster, in 2015 Chief became the first African Amer-
Deputy Chief Obe ican woman appointed to the rank of Assistant Chief and was appointed Chief of Transportation in October 2020. The third female awardee was Deputy Chief Olufunmilola F. Obe the commanding officer of the School Safety Division and a former Commander of Harlem’s 28th Precinct. The three other male awardees were First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin B. Tucker, Chief of Community Affairs Jeffrey B. Maddrey and Chief
of Detectives Rodney K. Harrison, Chief Harrison is the first African American to hold this position. Police Commissioner Dermot Shea gave very powerful and honest remarks he reflected on the history of NYPD Black police offices such as Samuel Battle the first Black police officer who joined the NYPD in 1911, he talked about Detective Al Howard who’s quick and decisive actions along with his partner Phil Romano in 1958 saved the life of Rev. Martin Luther King when he was stabbed at a book signing event in Harlem’s Blumstein’s Department Store. The Commissioner also talked about Wilhelmina Holiday, the first African American woman to serve as a deputy commissioner for the NYPD. Commissioner Shea talked about the many racist policies and injustice that exists in all aspects of society, including policing. The Commissioner went on
to say that “ I’m not in a position to apologize on behalf of all law enforcement, everywhere- that’s beyond my standing. But I can certainly speak for the members of the New York City Police Department, both past and present, by publicly recognizing that we have inherited the burden of our collective history. Our challenge is to ensure that we will not participate in, or tolerate, any further inequality or injustice.” The Commissioner’s remarks were well received, and many acknowledged the honesty in the PC’s comments and his commitment to addressing an issue that still exist. The leadership roles of the above Black men and women awardees will play a major part in the PC’s stated challenge to address any further inequality or injustice in the New York City Police Department. The GHCC February 23rd Black History Month ceremony was truly a salute to achievements and bravery.
If you’re 60 or older, a TLC licensed driver, a home health care aide, a restaurant or delivery worker, a grocery store or bodega worker, you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are available to eligible New Yorkers at no cost, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
Look for an appointment today!
Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC to make an appointment at a City-run vaccination site.
Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner
Harlem Community Newspapers | March 18. 2021
Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine?
9
